Traveling is one of the best ways to collect memories, and if you live in the United States, you´re lucky: The country has so much to offer. Mountains, plains, great cities, rural yet scenic regions, subtropical climates and arctic climates – no matter what you´d like to see, it’s just a trip away.
While many people pick a destination, get on a plane and visit their favorite destination, others take a whole new approach to traveling. Slow traveling is the manner of going from one place to another, where the way is the goal, not the destination itself. And there are various ways to travel the United States in that manner.
Easy Rider – the USA on a Motorcycle
If you are able to take some time off work, you could go on a long trip on your motorcycle. The really hard-boiled motorcyclists love crossing the States from East to West – Miami to Los Angeles or vice versa. To others, the famous Route 66 is the ultimate thing when it comes to going on a motorcycle trip through the States. For the perfect Route 66 experience, start your trip in Chicago and go south towards Oklahoma City first. Then head west through Texas, New Mexico and Arizona before arriving in Los Angeles.
No matter, which route you choose, make sure to prepare yourself thoroughly for the journey. You´ll be spending a lot of time on the road, where different road conditions, temperatures and other challenges await you. Make sure to get new equipment or to have your equipment checked to see if it’s still safe. Never be foolhardy when it comes to safety equipment like motorcycle helmets or safety vests, as they may save your life at some point.
Van Life – Explore the Country in Your Van
Traveling by van has become very popular within the past few years. Indeed, van life is a convenient and cheap opportunity to explore out beautiful country. Why not go from national park to national park in order to enjoy the most beautiful sunsets, views and hiking spots? The best thing is that with a van, you are extremely spontaneous – if you don´t like a certain place or spot, pack up your things and go further.
Welcome to the Trailer Park – Bring Along Your Own House
If you consider van life low budget traveling, going on a trip with your own trailer is definitely the luxury version of bringing your own accommodation. Modern trailers come in all sizes from small single trailers to huge trailers that could easily accommodate a big family. If purchasing your own trailer is too expensive, do some research on rental companies in your area. Traveling by trailer can be really convenient, because you are spontaneous and have a lot of space. Also, you can unhitch your car or truck from the trailer when it’s parked in order to be more flexible when exploring the area. But keep in mind that a trailer is harder to maneuver than a van.
Camping – Back to Nature
Slow traveling helps you connect with your environment and with nature. But going camping in a tent is possibly the closest to nature you can get. Going camping is always a big adventure, which can put you into extreme situations like storms but also into the most beautiful mood. Make sure to find safe spots and avoid camping in the wild all by yourself in order to stay safe. Also, make sure to bring good equipment with you that dries quickly and that´s functional.
House Sitting – a Win-Win-Situation
House Sitting is another great way of exploring the United States one town at a time. House Sitting means that you´ll take care of someone else´s house while they’re away. Sometimes, you´ll even be asked to look after pets or to water the plants – what little effort compared to the benefits you get to enjoy while sitting houses all over the country and becoming part of the community.
